Cesarean Audit for fetal distress- A indispensable tool to reduce Obstetrician Distress

Review Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2578-8965/058

Cesarean Audit for fetal distress- A indispensable tool to reduce Obstetrician Distress

  • Anuradha Singh 1*

*Corresponding Author: Anuradha Singh, Associate Professor, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.

Citation: Singh A., (2021) Cesarean Audit for fetal distress an indispensable tool to reduce Obstetrician Distress. J. Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences 5(1); DOI: 10.31579/2578-8965/058

Copyright: © 2021, Anuradha Singh, This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: 22 January 2021 | Accepted: 24 January 2020 | Published: 27 February 2021

Keywords: caesarean audit; fetal distress; obstetrician distress; CTG; cesarean sections; NICU

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Overuse of cesarean section and its implications are of growing concern. Suspected fetal distress has been the commonest indication for cesarean in last few decades heart rate changes shown by fetus without being adversely affected and CTG has been criticized to create unnecessary higher rate of operative deliveries. There is need to know which fetal heart rate abnormality is important and leading to two adverse neonatal outcome to decrease unnecessary operative deliveries. Therefore Caesarean Audit was planned.

Material and methods: A total of  hundred women were included who underwent emergency cesarean section for suspected fetal distress in labour or without labour detected by cardiotocography or  intermittent auscultation  were included for analysis. Details were noted in pre designated proforma.

Results: During the audit period, total number of caesarean done due to fetal distress analysed during the period were 100.The most common fetal heart rate abnormality was nonspecific in form of single or transient deceleration seen in 63% of cases where records were also incomplete, it was followed by persistent deceleration on cardiotocography which was present in 16% of the cases.

In 57 women who were primigravida 14 (24%) patients had nonspecific fetal heart rate patterns and intra operative findings were normal in this group. These were avoidable cesareans.

Various Intraoperative findings, observed  ,maximum no. of  cases had meconium stained liquor seen in 63% of the cases followed by  abruption in 9 cases followed by other findings like loop of cord around the neck of foetus, thin scar or scar dehiscence . Maternal resuscitation was carried out only in 53% of cases. Detection delivery interval of less than 30 minutes was present in 4% of cases. In fetal outcomes 16% of babies diagnosed with fetal distress, had poor outcome where Apgar score < 7 and 12 babies had asphyxia related NICU admission.  82% of babies had absolutely normal fetal outcome among which majority (78%) did not require any form resuscitation. which were thus avoidable cases.

Conclusions: Correct Knowledge about  Standardized fetal heart rate interpretations on CTG and there standardized management protocols like Maternal resuscitative measures ,follow up to ensure fast detection delivery interval  should be practiced strictly in all cases of non reassuring Fetal Heart rate patterns.

There should be consistent efforts in reducing the rate of cesarean sections particularly primary cesarean deliveries and in order to understand the degree to which cesarean delivery is preventable it is important to know no why cesareans are being performed. Therefore caesarean audit is need of the hour

Introduction

The overuse of cesarean section and its implications are of growing concern. The global rate of cesarean section has increased and doubled in the past 15 years and is increasing by 5% suspected fetal distress has been the commonest indication for cesarean in the last few decades heart rate changes shown by fetus without being adversely affected and CTG has been criticized to create an unnecessary higher rate of operative deliveries. There is a need to know which fetal heart rate abnormality is important and leading to two adverse neonatal outcomes to decrease unnecessary operative deliveries.

Material and methods

A prospective observational study was done in our hospital which is a tertiary care center. A total of hundred women were included who underwent emergency cesarean section for suspected fetal distress in labor or without labor, detected by cardiotocography or intermittent auscultation, Maternal age, parity, associated high-risk factors. Demographic profile abnormal fetal heart patterns which led to diagnosis and cesarean section were recorded. Birth weight, fetal Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes were noted. Details about intrauterine resuscitation which included change in maternal position, oxygen administration, intravenous fluids were noted, Detection to delivery intervals intraoperative findings was recorded in pre-designated proforma.

Results

During the study period number of cesarean sections done due to fetal distress analyzed were 100. The mean age of patients in the study group was 24.9 years. Out of the total hundred women majority (59%) were registered antenatal patients.57 women (57%) were either primigravidae or had one previous abortion. History of previous one cesarean was present in 15% of the cases. The various fetal heart rate abnormalities observed for which the cesarean section was performed are given in table 1. The most common fetal heart rate abnormality was nonspecific in form of single or transient deceleration seen in 63% of cases where records were also incomplete, it was followed by persistent deceleration on cardiotocography which was present in 16% of the cases.

Table 1.  FHR Patterns

 

Table 2.  FHR patterns and fetal Outcomes

In 57 women who were primigravida, 14 patients had nonspecific fetal heart rate patterns and intraoperative findings were normal in this group. These were avoidable cesareans. (Figure 3). In various Intraoperative findings, observed, maximum no. of cases had meconium-stained liquor seen in 63% of the cases followed by abruption in 9 cases followed by other findings like a loop of cord around the neck of the fetus. Findings of thin scar or scar dehiscence were present in 5 cases. Maternal resuscitation was carried out only in 53% of cases (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

The ideal detection to delivery interval recommended as less than 30 minutes was present in only 4% of cases and maximum patients had detection delivery intervals of 30 to 60 minutes seen in 34% cases (Table 3).

Table 3.  FHR patterns and fetal Outcomes

Analysis of fetal outcomes revealed (Figure 2) revealed that 16% of babies diagnosed with fetal distress had poor outcome where Apgar score < 7 and 12 babies had asphyxia related NICU admission, 82%, of babies had a normal fetal outcome in which majority (78% - 64/82 cases) did not require any form resuscitation. Among babies who did not require resuscitation (16 out 64 cases - 23.4%) had normal intraoperative findings which were thus avoidable cases.

Figure 2
Figure 3

Discussion

The most common indication of cesarean especially intrapartum cesarean is fetal distress in the past few decades. In 2011 in a population-based study the most common indication of primary cesarean delivery included labor dystocia and abnormal or indeterminate nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns. Therefore this audit was planned for cesarean which was done due to fetal distress. In 57 (57%) women who were primigravidas, 14 patients had nonspecific fetal heart rate patterns and intraoperative findings were normal in this group. These were avoidable cesareans (Figure 3).

In the present audit, it was found that 63% of the cases were done on basis of single deceleration in fetal heart rate which was non-specific and was the most common fetal heart rate abnormality resulting in cesarean delivery. The various intraoperative findings and fetal outcomes in this group are given in table 2. Among these 63 cases, 39 patients (61.9%) had intraoperative findings in form of meconium-stained liquor, the loop of cord around the neck, abruption, and thin previous cesarean scar. Rest 24 out of 63 cases (38%) had no intraoperative findings. 41% (n= 26) of women in this group had babies who were born with a normal APGAR score of more than 7. 9 babies out of 63 cases had poor APGAR scores and were having thick vigorous meconium-stained liquor. 5 out of 9 affected babies had asphyxia related admissions in nursery neonatal ICU, this group also included one early neonatal death.

The next most common fetal heart rate pattern observed was persistent decelerations seen in 16% of total cases. The various intraoperative findings and fetal outcomes in this group are given in table 1. 11 babies out of 16 cases (68%) had normal intraoperative findings. 5 out of 16 babies were born with poor APGAR score and 4 required asphyxia related NICU admission and one baby had an early neonatal death.

Other fetal heart rate patterns that were observed were fetal tachycardia or nonreactive NST (TABLE 3) observed in around 6% of cases each. The majority had positive intraoperative findings but despite that maximum babies were born having normal APGAR scores. Lack of adverse outcomes in this group could reflect our timely decision of cesarean section before a clinically significant fetal compromise occurs which was beneficial for these babies thus decreasing the perinatal morbidity and mortality in this group.

It also suggested that persistent deceleration is an important finding on CTG and should always be looking for causes leading to persistent deceleration such as meconium stained liquor. Hypoxia of fetus, hemorrhage, the effect of epidural anesthesia.

When fetal outcome (Figure 2) was observed in current audit it was seen that 82% of babies we are born with normal APGAR score and 64 out of these 82 cases (78%) does not require initial resuscitation signifying the importance of timely intervention as 49 out of these 64 cases (76%) had positive intraoperative findings supporting the cause of fetal compromise, in form of meconium-stained liquor, previous thin cesarean scar abruption or loop of cord around the neck.

It was also observed that among 64 cases in which babies did not require any form of resuscitation 15 patients (23.4%) did not have any significant intraoperative findings suggesting that these were avoidable cases and work performed without any clear indication.

it was observed that clinical diagnosis of fetal distress correlated with positive intraoperative findings in 54% of cases in form of Meconium stained liquor, abruption, but only 16% of babies   had poor outcome where Apgar score < 7 and 12 babies had asphyxia related NICU admission. Among the study group 82%, of babies had a normal fetal outcome in which the majority (78% - 64/82 cases) did not require any form of resuscitation. Among babies who did not require resuscitation (16 out 64 cases - 23.4%) had normal intraoperative findings which were thus avoidable cases.

Although cesarean deliveries can have lifelong implications for both mother and the fetus like complications from surgery for mother to respiratory and immunological problem to infants later in life, a rapid increase in rates of cesarean deliveries without any evidence of a concurrent decrease in maternal for neonatal morbidity and mortality had raised significant concerns that cesarean delivery is overused. It is important for healthcare providers to understand both short term and long-term complications associated with cesarean delivery and to use consistent efforts in reducing the rate of cesarean sections particularly primary cesarean deliveries and to understand the degree to which cesarean delivery baby preventable it is important to know no why cesareans are being performed. Therefore cesarean audit is need of the hour

Conclusions

Improved and standardized fetal heart rate interpretations on CTG and their standardized management protocols will be effective in preventing and curbing the rising cesarean rate due to fetal distress

Conflict of Interest

None. 

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad